Review: The Alley Thinks We Need a Little Christmas. They're Right.

It hasn't snowed a single flurry. Well, to be fair, it hasn't dipped below 50 degrees. But even before the Thanksgiving turkey had cooled, the Alley Theatre mounted a new production of the perennial holiday favorite, A CHRISTMAS CAROL - A GHOST STORY OF CHRISTMAS.

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Directed by the Alley's James Black, who himself has acted in the piece since director Michael Wilson first staged it in 1990, it's a new look at an old story.

I found Black's interpretation a little darker, a little edgier, a little more NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS than Wilson's; maybe a sign of the times. Children don't frighten as easily as they used to. But the message still shines through, and we still need to hear it. It's quite simple, really. "Peace on Earth, good will toward men," sums it up nicely. We are responsible for the well-being of others and must accept that responsibility to the best of our abilities. "Bah, humbug," you say? Well, merry Christmas to you.

The story really doesn't need re-telling, but it goes like this: It's Christmas Eve in Charles Dickens's London. Ebenezer Scrooge (Jeffrey Bean) is a miserly old skinflint who thinks Christmas is a waste of time and money. His ever-suffering clerk, Bob Cratchit (Chris Hutchinson), is a pleasant soul with a long list of problems, most of which could be alleviated by his boss in the form of a raise in salary, but that's not going to happen. His nephew Fred (Jay Sullivan) is better off, but his Christmas spirit is not appreciated by his uncle, who refuses an invitation to Christmas dinner.

Since it's Christmas Eve, Scrooge decides to make a few stops on his way home to harass several of his debtors for money. One by one he encounters a doll vendor (Melissa Pritchett), a fruit and cider vendor (David Rainey), and a watchworks vendor (Shawn Hamilton). He demands full payment from each, but accepts a token payment for the time being. This is in no way charitable; he makes it clear that the balance is due forthwith.

Scrooge arrives at his home and is met by his housekeeper Mrs. Dilber (John Feltch). Yes, John Feltch. More on that in a minute.

After some complaining and moaning, Scrooge retires and is visited in his dreams by The Spirit of Christmas Past (Pritchett), who arrives in a splendid sleigh with sweet memories of Christmases long ago, when he was young; The Spirit of Christmas Present (Rainey), resplendent in scarlet robes and antler crown, who shows him the Christmas that is and the woes of the people in it; and finally, and most awful of them all, The Spirit of Christmas Future (himself), with the horrible truth of what will be.

Scrooge finally sees the light, and vows to change. He makes amends to startled associates and debtors, buys a huge turkey for the Cratchits' dinner, and arrives at the home of his nephew brimming with Christmas cheer.

As Tiny Tim (Delany K. Allen) says, "God bless us, everyone."

It's hokey. It's manipulative. It's just plain corny. And it's the spirit of the season. Or should be.

All the actors, and I lost count, work together seamlessly and with the enthusiasm and dedication to the premise that's required.

Bean's Scrooge is all bluster and blow, and his conversion is a joy to watch. Along the way he gets to say some truly awful things, and don't we sometimes wish we could do the same?

Feltch as Mrs. Dilber is a dithering delight, and reminds me of Sir Ian McKellen's turn as the Widow Twankey in an Old Vic panto in London some years ago. There is nothing like a dame.

The Spirits of Christmas Past and Christmas Present are a visual treat.

A production such as A CHRISTMAS CAROL cannot succeed without the very able work of the unsung heroes behind the scenes. Tony Straiges's scenic design, which included a working clock above the proscenium, and some nice snow scenes, told the story in its detail. Costume design by Alejo Vietti was both serviceable and sumptuous, especially in the costumes of Christmas Present and Christmas Past. Lighting design by Rui Rita and sound design by John Gromada filled the stage with atmosphere, and a couple of times, scared the bejeezus out of me.

The theater is decked with trees and tinsel, and the sell-out crowd was in the spirit. Even my friend and guest for the evening, who is decidedly on the side of Scrooge (But he's in retail. I sort of get it.) said as we were leaving that he might put up a tree this year. He probably won't, but it was nice to hear.

On the elevator a father was teasing his young son for crying during the sad scenes. I gave him one up top, and told him that I did too. I didn't, but, hey, it's Christmas.

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A CHRISTMAS CAROL - A GHOST STORY OF CHRISTMAS runs through December 29. Alley Theatre, 615 Texas. For more information, 713-220-5700 or alleytheatre.org.

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